Numerous studies—including randomized trials—show that palliative care improves pain and symptom control, improves family satisfaction with care, and reduces costs. Palliative care does not accelerate death, and may prolong life in selected populations. The benefits of disease-directed treatment (e.g., chemotherapy or radiation) can be enhanced by early consideration of palliative care.

Conditions: Cancer, Malignancy, Tumor, Metastasis

Treatments: Palliative Care

Sources

• Delgado-Guay MO, Parsons HA, Li Z, Palmer LJ, Bruera E. Symptom distress, interventions, and outcomes of intensive care unit cancer patients referred to a palliative care consult team. Cancer. Jan 15 2009;115(2):437-445. (PubMed)
• Elsayem A, Smith ML, Parmley L, et al. Impact of a palliative care service on in-hospital mortality in a comprehensive cancer center. J. Palliat. Med. Aug 2006;9(4):894-902. (PubMed)
• Elsayem A, Swint K, Fisch MJ, et al. Palliative care inpatient service in a comprehensive cancer center: clinical and financial outcomes. J. Clin. Oncol. May 15 2004;22(10):2008-2014. (PubMed)
• Gelfman LP, Meier DE, Morrison RS. Does palliative care improve quality? A survey of bereaved family members. J. Pain Symptom Manage. Jul 2008;36(1):22-28. (PubMed)
• Higginson IJ, Finlay IG, Goodwin DM, et al. Is there evidence that palliative care teams alter end-of-life experiences of patients and their caregivers? J. Pain Symptom Manage. Feb 2003;25(2):150-168. (PubMed)
• Jordhoy MS, Fayers P, Saltnes T, Ahlner-Elmqvist M, Jannert M, Kaasa S. A palliative-care intervention and death at home: a cluster randomised trial. Lancet. Sep 9 2000;356(9233):888-893. (PubMed)
• London MR, McSkimming S, Drew N, Quinn C, Carney B. Evaluation of a Comprehensive, Adaptable, Life- Affirming, Longitudinal (CALL) palliative care project. J. Palliat. Med. Dec 2005;8(6):1214-1225. (PubMed)
• Temel JS, Greer JA, Muzikansky A, et al. Early palliative care for patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. N. Engl. J. Med. Aug 19 2010;363(8):733-742. (PubMed)
• Zimmermann C, Swami N, Krzyzanowska M, et al. Early palliative care for patients with advanced cancer: a cluster-randomised controlled trial. Lancet. May 17 2014;383(9930):1721-1730. (PubMed)